Angolan police have come under heavy criticism for violently dispersing a peaceful demonstration in Luanda on July 12, where hundreds protested rising fuel prices and the elimination of public transport subsidies. According to Human Rights Watch, officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets without warning, injuring several and arbitrarily arresting 17 protesters. The crackdown, which took place despite prior authorization for the march, has reignited calls for accountability and deeper reform of Angola’s security forces.

Protest Approved, But Met With Brutal Crackdown

Organized by youth movements and civic groups, the protest began in Luanda’s São Paulo neighborhood and was intended to culminate at Largo 1º de Maio. Organizers say they submitted official notifications and received approval from provincial authorities a day before the protest. Despite this, police launched a sudden and forceful intervention as protesters approached their destination.

Protest spokesperson Aidilson Manuel recounted that four individuals suffered serious injuries, including one protester who was struck in the face with a tear gas canister requiring surgery. Others sustained fractures from beatings by officers. Media outlets reported at least nine people injured, while police acknowledged only two.

Authorities justified the intervention by claiming the protesters deviated from the agreed route—a claim refuted by organizers and legal counsel. “The state does not fulfill its legal obligations concerning citizens’ rights, freedoms, and fundamental guarantees,” said lawyer Simão Afonso, who assisted the detainees.

Human Rights Groups Call For Reform And Accountability

Human Rights Watch condemned the crackdown, calling it part of a broader pattern of excessive force and arbitrary detention in Angola. “Angolans should be able to peacefully protest government policies without being met with excessive force,” said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, the group’s deputy Africa director.

Angola is a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which protect freedom of assembly. The UN and African Union guidelines on law enforcement state that force should be used only when strictly necessary and proportionally.

Despite previous promises of reform, HRW noted that recent events show the Angolan government has failed to implement meaningful oversight. The organization urged an impartial investigation and legal action against responsible officers to restore public trust in the rule of law.